Defensive back Macho Harris retires as a Roughrider after signing one-day contract

Defensive back Macho Harris is retiring as a Saskatchewan Roughrider after signing a one-day contract with the club.

The Virginia Tech product spent four seasons with the Roughriders after making his debut July 28, 2012.

He had 149 defensive tackles and four interceptions in 44 regular-season games and was a member of the Riders’ 2013 Grey Cup-winning team.

“I want to congratulate Macho on his seven-year professional football career,” Jeremy O’Day, Roughriders vice-president of football operations and general manager, said in a statement.

“Macho was a solid character and always kept the team loose away from the field. However, when the game started he was an intense and intelligent player. He should be proud of his accomplishments through his college and professional years.”

Harris spent three seasons in the NFL before coming to Canada. He played 15 games with Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 and three games with the Washington Redskins in 2010.

Harris spent his final CFL season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2016.

“It is with great pride that I officially announce my retirement from professional football,” Harris said.

“I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to play pro football for seven years. I want to thank the Saskatchewan Roughriders and all of Rider Nation for four years of football and a life time of memories.”

The 33-year-old Harris, his wife Kylie and their daughter Kamila live in Regina.